A simple search online will present hundreds, even thousands of published articles explaining almost all the health conditions, and everything related to those. However, it is still always better to discuss known symptoms, tests, treatments, and outlook for managing any complications with the doctor. This can be an awkward conversation to have with a healthcare professional. But it is equally important to ask the doctor the following questions for planning proper healthcare. Ask about any symptoms and diagnosis Health complications present a myriad of symptoms, where many signs are common and easily noticeable. However, it is simply not enough to identify these signs of discomfort. One of the primary questions to ask a general physician at the next appointment is how these symptoms can progress. Also, it is important to recognize the primary symptoms to keep track of them so doctors can plan a suitable course of action. Further, if the diagnosis is genetic or chronic, what is the next best step among available treatments. What types of treatments are available? Doctors will recommend the best treatments that may or may not be fully covered by insurance. But never hesitate to ask for alternative treatments and strategies for post-treatment home care.

Accounting for more than 60% of the human body, water is integral for survival. Hydration facilitates digestive functions, helps maintain temperature, and ensures proper circulation. Health experts and nutritionists advise adults to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to ensure optimum health. Insufficient water intake can lead to several complications, such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of not drinking enough water. Dehydration The first noticeable side effect of poor drinking habits is dehydration. As the term suggests, this is a condition in which the body lacks enough water and cannot function properly. It can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, dark yellow urine, thirst, and dry mouth. Some severe symptoms include feeling lightheaded or confused. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications like kidney failure, seizures, and other severe conditions. Skin changes Dry and flaky skin are common symptoms of insufficient water intake. Drinking enough glasses of water during the day is important to keep the skin naturally hydrated and moisturized from within. Many nutritionists also recommend eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and similar foods, which helps keep the skin’s elasticity intact, making it appear youthful.

One may find it awkward to discuss certain topics with the gynecologist. And it is one of the main causes of the delay in the diagnosis and treatment of certain health conditions. However, when it comes to disease prevention, keeping an open communication channel and discussing one’s health is the best way to improve lifestyle and outlook. Here are a few common questions that one can ask their gynecologist without hesitation. Ask about menstruation Women experience many recurring symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and soreness during their regular menstrual cycle. However, it is necessary to ask the gynecologist about irregular periods or the symptoms flaring up unexpectedly. Severe flare-ups are a precursor to serious conditions like endometriosis. Also, it’s quite normal to ask questions about how regular the cycle should be, what is the ideal flow of the cycle, and what should be done while experiencing irregular periods. Discuss about low libido Hormones in the body drive one’s libido. And there are a number of reasons why the desire can plummet. Factors like stress, the nature of intimacy, the stage of relationships, and even personal preferences all impact one’s desire. So it’s okay to ask the gynecologist and openly discuss any underlying concerns.

When dealing with cancer, healthcare experts often recommend a combination of treatment options—therapies, prescriptions, and surgery. Certain lifestyle changes can aid treatment and recovery. This includes eating healthy foods like broccoli, berries, and tomatoes to manage the effects of the disease and strengthen the immune system to cope with the side effects of treatments. In addition to making better food choices, one can consider the following herbs and spices to help manage and even prevent cancer. Turmeric The spice has traditionally been used to manage various health conditions, including cancer. Turmeric can help fight diseases through its anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. This natural substance plays a significant role in repairing damage in the body. Curcumin can also help treatment options eliminate cancerous cells, reduce the spread of cancer, and prevent the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Ginger There are several ways to add ginger to meals, including having it raw, crushing it, or adding ginger powder while cooking. Its anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large concentrations in raw ginger. One of its variations, 6-gingerol, is considered highly effective in fighting diseases like colorectal cancer. One could drink ginger tea, which could have similar benefits in managing conditions like cancer.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts one in every hundred children. It is a genetic condition that can be diagnosed early in life, with its symptoms being observable in children as young as 1 to 2 years of age. To be able to spot these early signs, parents need to be aware of the early indications of the condition. For example, children on the spectrum might not have the same degree of signs or the same condition, and early diagnosis can go a long way in helping both the patient and the parents. Here are a few signs and behavioral patterns to look out for: Avoiding eye contact Babies are great at maintaining eye contact with people around them. It is also suggested that since infants cannot communicate verbally, eye contact is their preferred mode of communication. Babies can identify faces and respond to people who address them. It is a crucial social skill to help build relationships and take note of what is happening in their surroundings. Children on the autism spectrum are prone to less visual contact as compared to children who are not on the spectrum. If any children constantly avoid eye contact and prefer to speak to someone without looking at them, it might be an early indication of autism spectrum disorder.  Peculiar interests Children with autism will display an increased affinity for being attached to certain objects.

The digestive system is a collection of organs, from the esophagus, small intestine, and large intestine to the rectum, that processes foods and beverages. These organs break down the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to be absorbed by the body to support immunity and overall health. However, any problems impacting these functions can cause an imbalance in gut health. These are the evident signs of poor digestion that one must learn to identify. Abdominal discomfort Any gas, excessive and persistent bloating, or heartburn are the first signs of stomach and digestive distress. It happens because the food is not being broken down efficiently, causing an unstable reaction, thus releasing gas. Constipation and diarrhea Some people also experience constipation, where bowel movements are solid and painful, not to mention untimely and inconsistent. Constipation puts excessive pressure on the digestive tract and increases the risk of complications due to partial defecation. The unprocessed waste hardens in the colon, making passing stools regularly even more painful. Others may suffer from diarrhea, usually triggered by an infection that causes the stools to disintegrate, resulting in runny fecal waste. Excessive fatigue Fatigue is one of the primary indicators of digestion problems that hamper the body’s ability to absorb nutrition from daily foods and beverages naturally.

Our teeth are subject to damage due to multiple factors, including age and other health conditions. Moreover, there are certain unhealthy habits that could worsen teeth deterioration and also affect the effectiveness of dental procedures carried out by a trained professional. Further, such damage could cause pain that may affect one’s ability to carry out daily tasks. So, one must steer clear of these seven habits to prevent tooth damage and reduce infections. Chewing ice While ice helps stay hydrated and refreshed in the summer, munching on the solid may expose the teeth to cold temperatures, which could result in dental fractures. To avoid such damage, one must avoid biting ice. If they want to use it to chill their drink, they should drink beverages with a straw to avoid direct contact with the solid substance. Biting nails Generally, several people bite their nails when they get nervous or stressed. But this could lead to the chipping of one or more teeth, which could also impact the jaw. Moreover, a lot of bacteria may sit below the fingernails, which could also cause disease after contact with the gums. Therefore, an individual should look for ways to avoid biting their nails by indulging in stress management techniques.

Visiting the gynecologist once a year is important. However, you may feel nervous about scheduling an appointment, with concerns like the need for grooming before a checkup and discomfort you may experience during the examination. Additionally, being on your period can make you put off the visit. This embarrassment can also keep you from asking important questions during your visit. But here are a few seemingly uncomfortable questions you can ask your doctor: Should I be worried about bumps down there? Bumps in intimate areas may not always be a cause for concern. There are numerous reasons for the vaginal area can develop acne or bumps, including shaving. Other reasons could be sebaceous cysts, skin tags, or gentle warts. You do not have to be embarrassed to ask your gynecologist about such skin issues, especially if you experience any pain or changes in the color or size of the bump. Is my vaginal discharge concerning? Vaginal discharge is part of normal reproductive health. However, if the discharge causes discomfort like itching or pain, you should speak to your OB/GYN about it. A cottage cheese-like discharge could be an indication of a yeast infection, while greying vaginal discharge with a raw egg-like odor can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Foods and beverages supply much-needed fuel for the body to support vital functions. However, certain lifestyle choices and daily eating habits can severely affect oral hygiene. There is an increased risk of cavities, gum decay, tooth decay, and bacterial infections due to the overconsumption of common foods and beverages. Here are six such daily consumables that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to maintain good teeth and gum health in the long run. Sugar-rich foods Refined sugar, be it used for making sweets, candies, baked goods, confectioneries, processed ready-to-eat foods, and even flavored drinks, are bad for the teeth. Sugar supplies a steady energy source for bacteria to feast on and rapidly multiply, causing cavities. Sugar also increases the risk of plaque buildup, which can further cause gum infections and speed up tooth decay. Refined carbohydrate-rich foods Carbohydrates are a good source of fuel for the body and should be included in daily nutrition. However, most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are loaded with refined carbohydrates. These carbs are bad for overall health, and the sticky residue left behind after chewing becomes a harboring ground for bacteria. Also, saliva breaks down carbohydrates into sugar due to an instantaneous reaction and, as a result, increases the risk of cavities.

Cancer is the rapid mutation of healthy cells that destroys other nearby cells. Lung cancer happens when the cells in the organ mutate and destroy healthy tissue responsible for absorbing and storing fresh oxygen. This oxygen gets circulated by red blood cells, reaching all extremities of the body. Lung cancer signs develop slowly but progressively, triggering several discomforts. Here are some silent but indicative signs of the condition: Chest pain The extreme mutation of cancer cells triggers a feeling of heaviness in the chest, followed by persistent pain. This happens as cancer spreads and destroys healthy lung tissue responsible for storing oxygen. Breathing deeply with compromised lung tissue can trigger pain and cause coughing as lung tissues struggle to expand and contract. Chest pain and a feeling of tightness in the region will only worsen as the cancer spreads. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Rapid wheezing Wheezing is different from experiencing shortness of breath. Wheezing happens when inflammation in the nasal passage constricts the airway, forcing a person to inhale and exhale with intensity. The extra pressure triggers a high-pitched sound as the air is forced through the narrow passage in the nasal cavity.

Bones support the body and make movement possible. Along with protecting the brain, heart, and other vital organs from injury, they also help improve balance and coordination. Bones are a vital part of the human body, and keeping them in good shape is essential. However, several every day habits can degrade them and make one more prone to injuries and chronic medical conditions, so here are some of the habits one must avoid: Overeating salt Salt has been linked with causing excessive calcium secretion through the kidneys. People who consume high amounts of salt regularly are also at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, which can cause bone thinning. Therefore, to maintain good bone health, limiting salt intake to the suggested amounts (2,300 milligrams per day for healthy adults) is important. Not getting enough vitamin D Staying indoors all day can significantly impact bone health and increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. To absorb calcium, it is essential also to consume the recommended dosage of vitamin D. This vitamin is usually made in the skin after exposure to sunlight, so stepping out in the sun can help. However, one needs to limit their time in the sun to 10-15 minutes, as too much exposure to sunlight also increases the risk of skin cancer.